COLDRIDGE Fete, Vintage Rally and Flower Festival has been described as "the best to date" after making a record profit of £2,768.38.

Held at the Church Field, by kind permission of the Keast family, the fete was opened by the chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr Jeff Burrows.

Mr Burrows said it was an "honour and privilege" to be asked to open the fete.

He said: "Most of you know I am an original Coldridge lad, born just a few yards down the road at The Old Bakery in the year 1900 and something!

"I went to school here and lived in six different homes, all in the village."

The owner of a local building firm, he added: "I have worked for many of you and while there are not many of us 'locals' left, over the years some lovely people have moved in and are involved with others here today."

Mr Burrows praised the committee for organising the fete and said the village hall and church (which the bi-annual event raises funds for each year) were a credit to them.

He asked visitors to give generously and support the various stalls, to enjoy the vintage vehicle displays and the marvellous flower display in the church.

Mr and Mrs Burrows were presented with gifts by committee member Liz Abbots.

The stalls then began trading and Hatherleigh Silver Band struck up to entertain.

The band played a variety of tunes, receiving much applause from the crowds who listened while visiting the fete.

When the band was not playing, a fairground organ, owned by Colin Munday played.

The fete included a tractor parade and a vintage vehicle parade and many admired the vehicles which shone under the pleasant sunshine. There were also motorcycles, stationary engines and other vehicles.

Michael Thorne donated brass plaques and presented these to those with vintage vehicles.

A fire engine from North Tawton parked in the square and children enjoyed looking at the engine.

Other attractions included a golf challenge, archery, face painting, human fruit machine, plant stall, cake stall, thatching demonstration by Colin Tucker, coconut shy and other fun games and stalls. Jan Bleach drew sketches of visitors for a small fee.

Ice creams, the barbecue and teas all sold well and many enjoyed the extensive views over the rolling countryside around the village.

Many people admired the beautiful floral displays in the parish church created by local individuals. All the displays had the theme of "Flight".

Fete chairman, John Smith, said the record amount raised at the fete would be split 50/50 between the church and the village hall.

He added: "It was a wonderful, traditionally English country event, enhanced by superb weather and wondrous views.

"My sincere thanks must go to everyone who worked so hard before, during and after the fete to make it such a resounding success.

"Many thanks, too, to all those who attended on the day, without whom, of course, it would not have worked at all. Brilliant!" Alan Quick